U.S. patent application number 13/066359 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-20 for payment processing systems.
Invention is credited to Carl T. Muirbrook.
Application Number | 20110258076 13/066359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44788931 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110258076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muirbrook; Carl T. |
October 20, 2011 |
Payment processing systems
Abstract
A system and methods using applications for payment of goods
and/or services based on verifying whether geographic information
received from an electronic device with the app corresponds with
geographic information from a registered location. A processing
center executes a default action when the geographic information so
corresponds, and in one embodiment, the default action is to
complete the transaction.
Inventors: |
Muirbrook; Carl T.;
(Turlock, CA) |
Family ID: |
44788931 |
Appl. No.: |
13/066359 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61342328 |
Apr 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/3276 20130101;
G06Q 30/0639 20130101; G06Q 20/3224 20130101; G07F 17/24 20130101;
G06Q 2240/00 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101; G06Q 30/0633 20130101;
G06Q 30/0284 20130101; G06Q 30/0613 20130101; G06Q 20/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.41 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1. A payment system comprising: entering, into a remote processing
center, information corresponding to at least one registered
location, wherein said information comprises a geographic location
of a point of sale, and wherein said remote center recognizes said
point of sale as a registered location upon entry of geographic
information; downloading a payment application to an
internet-connected device, wherein said download prompts a consumer
to enter at least one consumer payment option; launching said
payment application at said registered location, wherein upon
launch, said application transmits information via the internet to
a remote communication device, and wherein said information
comprises the geographic location of the internet-connected device;
analyzing, by said remote processing center, whether the geographic
information received from said internet-connected device
corresponds to a registered location; executing, by the processing
center, a default action when said geographic information from said
internet-connected device and said registered location
correspond.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said geographic information
corresponding to a registered location is entered using longitude
and latitude.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein a plurality of registered
locations are entered into the processing center.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein a point of sale includes more than
one registered location.
5. The system of claim 4 wherein each registered location
corresponds to a single cash register.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said entry of information
corresponding to a registered location comprises merchant
parameters.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said merchant parameters are
selected from the group consisting essentially of merchant
identification information, maximum transaction amount, and cash
register identification.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said consumer payment option is
selected from the group consisting essentially of credit, debit,
cash.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein a consumer payment option is
linked to a registered location.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said default action is to
complete the payment transaction.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said default action is to prompt
the consumer for more input.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said registered location is a
parking facility.
13. A payment system comprising: entering, into a remote processing
center, information corresponding to at least one action location,
wherein said entered information comprises a geographic location of
said action location, wherein said remote center recognizes said
action location as a registered location upon entry of geographic
information, and wherein said registered location has software in
communication with said remote processing center; linking unique
readable code with each registered location; downloading a payment
application to an internet-connected device with a camera, wherein
said download prompts a consumer to enter at least one consumer
payment option; launching said payment application at said
registered location, wherein upon launch, said application
transmits geographic location information of said
internet-connected device via the internet to a remote
communication device; processing, by said remote processing center,
whether the geographic information received from said
internet-connected device corresponds to a registered location
linked with readable code; executing, by the processing center, a
default action activating said camera when said geographic
information from said internet-connected device and said registered
location correspond; reading, by said activated camera, said
readable code; transmitting said readable code, by said
internet-connected device, via the internet to said processing
center; analyzing, by said remote processing center, said readable
code received from said camera; and executing, by said processing
center, a default action when said readable code, said geographic
information from said internet-connected device and said registered
location correspond.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein there is more than one
registered location at each action location.
15. The system of claim 13 wherein said unique code is linked to a
registered location by tangible media displaying readable code.
16. The system of claim 13 wherein a cash register is a registered
location, and said default action instructs said action location
software to transmit a transaction amount to said processing
center.
17. The system of claim 13 wherein a gate is a registered location,
and said default action opens said action location software to open
said gate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional application claims the benefit of, and
priority to, previously filed U.S. provisional patent application
No. 61/342,328 filed Apr. 13, 2010, which is herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] There is an increasing demand by consumers for convenient
systems to obtain and pay for goods and services via
internet-connected devices, including mobile telephones, hand-held
devices, laptop computers, or other electronic device. Often, these
devices use software commonly known as a mobile phone application,
or app. An application, or app, is a piece of software that can run
on the internet, on a computer, on a phone or other electronic
device.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many current payment systems use various mobile phone apps
that communicate with an access device to complete transactions
with consumers. These payment systems require merchants use payment
processing devices at the point of sale to complete transactions.
The consumer moves a phone bearing a payment app in front of the
access device at the store to complete a transaction. In these
systems, each merchant must have a point-of-sale access device to
complete transactions with consumers.
[0006] Other methods require consumers to carry a card or cards
with specific information encoded on the card. Merchants must have
a payment processing device at the point of sale to complete
transactions with consumer using encoded cards.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of invention allow merchants to complete
transactions with consumers, without requiring a point-of-sale
access device. The consumer may purchase items using a mobile
telephone or other internet-connected device. Merchants do not need
payment processing or access devices to conduct transactions with
consumers because there is no need for a device at the point of
sale.
[0008] Embodiments of the invention conduct transactions based on
geographic location. This may be determined as longitude and
latitude, and may be entered using global positioning systems
technology. A specific physical place of business may be entered as
a registered location 10 within the system. When a consumer wishes
to make purchases at a registered location, the consumer may
download an embodiment of the invention to an internet-connected
device. The consumer may set consumer parameters linked to each
registered location. These consumer parameters may include
identifying information, maximum amount of purchase, and payment
options.
[0009] In some embodiments, when a consumer with a mobile phone
containing the app wishes to make a purchase at a registered
location, the consumer launches the app. Upon launch, the app
communicates the specific physical location of the mobile phone via
the internet to a remote server. The app simultaneously
communicates specified consumer parameters to the remote server.
The server is part of the remote processing center. The server
analyzes the geographic information received from the mobile phone.
When the geographic information transmitted from the mobile phone
corresponds to geographic information of a registered location, the
processing center executes a default action.
[0010] In some embodiments, the default action is to complete a
transaction with no additional input from either the consumer or
the merchant. The default action executes upon launch of the
app.
[0011] In some embodiments, based on the physical location of the
electronic device with the app, the default action is to activate a
camera connected with the electronic device. The electronic device
bearing a camera is placed in front of registered readable location
information, and the remote server may complete the
transaction.
[0012] Embodiments of the invention allow the consumer to enter
different consumer parameters that apply at different registered
locations.
[0013] Embodiments of invention may eliminate the need for on-site
workers, and eliminate the need for a payment processing or access
device. In some embodiments, the app may be launched at a specific
registered parking facility. In some embodiments, the consumer can
use the invention to determine parking space availability, to
locate parking, to reserve a parking space in a designated parking
facility, to lift parking facility gate arms, and to pay for
parking.
[0014] In other embodiments, the system can also be used to
complete other consumer transactions, such as ordering foods,
beverages, clothing, fuel or other goods or services. In addition,
the system may be used to remotely pay for other goods, services,
fees or admissions. Embodiments of the invention allow consumers to
make repeated purchases at the same places, upon launch of the app.
For example, people may engage in a routine where they frequent the
same facilities; routinely parking in the same facility, or buying
gas at the same gas station, or purchasing food or drink at the
same market, cafe or store.
[0015] These and other embodiments of the invention are described
in further detail below.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of embodiments of the invention
when a registered location is a point of sale.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of embodiments of the system
executing different default actions.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of embodiments of the invention
when a registered location is an action location.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of embodiments of system analysis
and action when the default action activates a camera.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] As used in this specification, electronic device and
internet-connected device are used interchangeably and mean the
same thing. Non-limiting examples of these devices are mobile
phones, hand-held devices, computers and other devices that can
receive and transmit information via the internet, either
wirelessly or through wires.
[0021] Embodiments of the invention include an application that is
accessible through electronic devices 30. When a consumer launches
the app at a registered location 10, the app transmits the physical
location of the electronic device to a remote server. Based on the
location information, the server executes a default action 570. In
some embodiments, the default action is to complete the transaction
572. In these embodiments, the default action executes upon launch
of the app.
[0022] In some embodiments, the physical location of a place of
business 110 is registered with the system. This registration
process can occur in any number of ways. As non-limiting examples,
the merchant or system operator may register information with the
system.
[0023] Registration requires entry of specific data into the
processing center, including entry of geographic information linked
to a specific location 110. A registered location 10 may be a point
of sale, or may an action location. Merchant geographic information
110 is any data that identifies the unique physical location of a
registered location 10, and may include longitude and latitude date
generated from global positioning technology. The system allows for
numerous registered locations, for a plurality of businesses. The
system also allows for a plurality of registered locations at a
single place of business, as non-limiting examples, multiple unique
cash registers at a single store, or registered locations for
different types of sales at a single cash register.
[0024] Registration may also include entry of other merchant
parameters 120, as needed. A merchant parameter 120 may include the
type of business, a maximum transaction amount, or any other
variable, information or parameters that may be desired.
[0025] Once specific geographic information 110 is entered with the
system, and a registered location 10 is created, consumers may use
embodiments of the invention to pay for goods or services at that
registered location by executing the app.
[0026] The consumer may acquire the app in any way. As non-limiting
examples, a consumer may acquire the app 510 by downloading the app
to a mobile phone or to any other internet-connected device, or may
acquire the app through CDs, or any other way to transfer
software.
[0027] Once a consumer has acquired the app 510, the consumer
enters at least one payment option 210 and default action 570. A
payment option 210 may include any payment method. As non-limiting
examples, the consumer may enter a specific credit or debit card to
pay for transaction, bank account, online payment option, or the
use of checks, or other payment account. In instances where a
consumer uses the system to order goods and services from a
business that is remote from the consumer's current location, the
consumer may also enter a payment option of cash. In this instance,
when the consumer arrives at the (previously remote) physical
location, the consumer may pay cash upon delivery of the goods or
services.
[0028] In addition, the consumer may enter various other consumer
parameters 220, as needed or desired. As non-limiting examples,
consumer parameters may be consumer identification information,
approved registered locations, a maximum purchase amount, a unique
payment option linked to a specific registered business, and any
other information, variable or parameter that may be desired. In
some embodiments, the app will prompt the consumer for this
information.
[0029] These consumer parameters may be specific to each registered
location 10. That is, each consumer may set different parameters
for different businesses or locations. As non-limiting examples, a
consumer may enter a first payment option linked to specified
registered locations, and a second payment option linked to other
registered locations; the consumer may allow a maximum purchase
amount at a specific location, or may limit the days that payments
may be processed at a specific registered location.
[0030] After the consumer parameters are entered into the system,
the consumer may purchase goods or services upon launch of the app
520. In these embodiments, a consumer arrives at a registered
location to make a purchase. To complete the transaction, the
consumer only has to launch the app. No further input or entry is
needed by the consumer, and no further input or entry is needed by
the merchant. Launching the app completes the transaction.
[0031] Upon launch 520, the app transmits to the processing center
40 the current geographic location of the mobile device 240 using
global positioning systems technology 530 that is known to those
skilled in the art, as a non-limiting example GPS. The app may
simultaneously transmit any other consumer parameter.
[0032] In some embodiments, the app transmits the location 240 and
consumer parameters 220, if any, wirelessly to remote communication
devices, including orbiting satellites, communication towers, and
other equipment used for wireless communications. These remote
communication devices are not at the point of sale or action
location; they are remote from the registered location.
[0033] Thus, the consumer geographic information 240 and parameters
220, if any, are transmitted from via the wireless internet from
the internet-connected device to the remote processing center
530.
[0034] In other embodiments, the app 20 communicates the location
240 and consumer parameter 220, if any, via a wired network, to the
remote processing center 40.
[0035] At the processing center 40, a server analyzes 540 the
geographic location information 240 received from the app 20. The
processing center analyzes whether the geographic information
received from the electronic device with the app corresponds 550 to
the geographic location of a registered location. Corresponding
geographic information occurs when geographic information received
from the electronic device is within a set distance of a physical
point of sale, and this correspondence distance may be as specific
as needed to identify a first point of sale from a second or other
points of sale.
[0036] If the geographic information corresponds 550, the
processing center 40 executes the default action 570 that is linked
to the registered location. The consumer enters 250 a default
action 570 for each registered location 10. As a non-limiting
example, the consumer may enter a default action to complete the
transaction upon launch of the app at a specific registered
location 572. The processing center 40 will complete the
transaction by charging the consumer according to the payment
instructions 210 supplied by the consumer. If the geographic
information does not correspond 560, no action is taken.
[0037] The consumer may enter a different default action for each
registered location.
[0038] In other instances, the default action may transmit
questions or prompts 573 back to the consumer's electronic device.
In these instances, upon launch, the electronic device transmits
the geographic location 240 of the electronic device 30 with the
app 20 to the remote processing center 40. The processing center
analyzes 540 whether geographic information received from the
electronic device corresponds with geographic information of a
registered location. When the processing center verifies that the
geographic information corresponds, the processing center's default
action may be to transmit questions or prompts 573 back to the
electronic device.
[0039] As non-limiting examples, the center may ask the consumer to
enter an amount of payment, confirm a payment amount, confirm the
physical location, confirm identifying information, or any other
prompt or question that is needed or wanted. If all information is
correct, the server at the processing center will complete the
transaction by charging the consumer according to the payment
option 210 supplied by the consumer.
[0040] The default action may be any other action, where the
processing center can effect action 574.
[0041] The processing center completes the transaction between the
consumer and the registered location using technology and methods
known to those skilled in the art. As a non-limiting example, the
processing center may use a third party for the debit/credit or
other payment transactions.
[0042] In some embodiments, after completing the transaction, the
processing center will communication confirmation of the
transaction. This confirmation may be communicated by email, text
message, mail, or any other method of communication. The
confirmation may be sent to the consumer, to the merchant or to
both. The confirmation may contain different information, as
requested by the consumer, or as requested by the merchant.
[0043] In some embodiments, the consumer may make purchases at
designated locations that are remote from the consumer's current
location. In these embodiments, the consumer may launch the app at
a first geographic location. The app will send consumer geographic
information and/or consumer parameters to the remote processing
center. In these embodiments, the consumer information includes a
request to purchase goods or services at a second geographic
location, where that second location is a registered location that
is remote from the first geographic location. In these embodiments,
the consumer payment options include payment of cash upon arrival
at the second location to pick up the purchases.
[0044] In some embodiments, the merchant may have a display of
registered readable code 14. Readable code is entered with the
processing center by entering unique geographic location
information 110 and linking that geographic information to a
specific location 10. In these embodiments, a registered location
10 has software 12 that communicates with the processing center 40,
and each registered location 10 is connected with the display of
unique readable code 14. As a non-limiting example, a single cash
register may be a registered location 10 when the cash register has
software 12 that communicates with the processing center 40, and
when that cash register is connected with sticker or emblem
displaying unique readable code 14.
[0045] The readable geographic information may be displayed in
either tangible or intangible form. Non-limiting examples of
tangible display include bar codes, QR codes, or near field
communication tags, stickers or paper, for example, the coded
information may be displayed on a sticker that is stuck on or
connected with a cash register.
[0046] Non-limiting examples of intangible display include display
on screens, or RFID. It is apparent that any means for displaying
coded information may be used.
[0047] The readable code 14 is entered with the system using
techniques known by those skilled in the art to link coded
information with tangible or intangible media. The code 14 contains
geographic data 110 linked to a specific location, and this data is
entered in the server at the processing center 40.
[0048] The readable code may include the geographic location of a
point of sale or other action location. This geographic location
information may be as specific as individual cash register within a
single physical location. The readable code 14 may include any
other merchant information or parameter that is desired.
[0049] When a point of sale has registered readable code, a
consumer may use embodiments of the invention to pay for goods or
services. The consumer launches the app on an electronic device 30
with a camera 32. Upon launch, the app transmits via the internet
530 the geographic location of the electronic device 240 to the
remote processing center 40. When the consumer's geographic
information corresponds 550 to a registered location 10 with
registered readable code 14, the processing center 40 executes a
default action 570.
[0050] The default action may be to activate the camera 32 on the
consumer's electronic device, so that the camera reads the
registered readable code, and transmits that code 5721 to the
processing center 40.
[0051] The processing center 40 activates the camera 32 by
transmitting, via the internet, instructions 572 to the electronic
device to activate the camera. The consumer places the activated
camera in front of the registered readable code. The camera reads
the registered readable information, and transmits this information
from the camera to the remote processing center 5721. Upon receipt
and analysis of this transmission, the processing center transmits
a signal to software 12 linked to that specific registered readable
code 14.
[0052] Software 12 in each registered action location is capable of
communicating with the remote processing center, and of receiving
signals from the remote server. Software 12 receives instructions
from the processing center 40, and executes an action. Non-limiting
examples of such an executable action are opening a gate 5724,
unlocking a door 5726, transmitting purchase amounts 5725, or any
other software executable action 5727.
[0053] In some embodiments, software 12 is linked with readable
code 14 at a cash register. After readable code is transmitted from
the camera 5721, the processing center 40 instructs the software 12
linked with a registered cash register. The processing center 40
may instruct the software 12 to transmit the purchase amount to the
processing center 5725. In some embodiments, depending on consumer
preferences, the transaction may be complete at that time. In this
embodiment, the consumer enters preferences to complete the
transaction when the server receives the purchase amount. In other
instances, the consumer may prefer to have final approval of the
purchase amount. In these instances, the consumer preferences may
require that processing center transmit the purchase amount to the
consumer's electronic device. The electronic device displays the
purchase price and prompts the consumer to accept or reject the
purchase price. The transaction is completed only when the consumer
authorizes the purchase. Upon receiving consumer authorization, the
processing center will complete the transaction, according to the
consumer's payment options and instructions.
[0054] A non-limiting example of use of some embodiments of
invention is use at parking facilities. The geographic location of
a parking facility may be entered into the system 110, creating a
registered location 10. Registration can occur in any number of
ways, including data entry via a mobile phone, computer or other
internet-connected device, whether wired or wireless.
[0055] Other information 120 regarding the parking facility may
also be included in the registration information, and may include
the business name and the street location of the entrance.
[0056] After a parking facility is registered, the merchant may
access the system through the internet, and enter or change the
parking rate structure for each registered parking facility.
[0057] Once a parking facility is registered in the system, it is
immediately possible to begin using the system to collect parking
facility fees. There is no need for any additional hardware or
workers to operate the system.
[0058] In some embodiments, the system includes a mobile phone
application 20 that is capable of being acquired by one or more
consumers. The consumer launches the application 520 and uses it to
pay for parking at a registered parking lot.
[0059] In these embodiments, the application may prompt the
consumer to enter information about the consumer 220. As
non-limiting examples, consumer parameters may include a vehicle
license plate number, vehicle make and model, the name and address
of the consumer. The consumer information may be varied, as
desired. As non-limiting examples, the consumer may have more than
one vehicle, and each vehicle may be entered. In other situations,
the consumer may have a rental car, or be a passenger in someone
else's vehicle. In any of these situations, the system allows the
consumer to enter the information regarding the specific vehicle
that is being parked in a registered parking facility.
[0060] The consumer enters at least one payment option 210. As
non-limiting examples, a payment option may include a credit card
or debit card that will be charged for the consumer's purchases.
The consumer also enters at least one default action 250. The
consumer enter a specific default action 250 that is linked to a
specific registered location 10, and may have different defaults
actions 250 for different registered locations 10.
[0061] In some embodiments, consumer parameters 210 and 220 may be
entered or modified through a mobile phone. In addition, consumer
parameters 210 and 220 may be entered or modified through any other
internet-connected device.
[0062] Once the consumer information is entered, the consumer may
immediately use embodiments of the invention to pay for parking at
registered locations.
[0063] In some embodiments, the system allows a consumer to access
information regarding all registered locations within a specified
distance. The consumer may set the distance range. As a
non-limiting example, the consumer may request the system to locate
all registered parking facilities within specific radius of the
consumer's current location. The consumer has the option of
modifying the distance range. The invention may then show the
consumer all registered facilities that are remote from the
consumer's current location, and may show parking availability at
each of registered location. If the consumer is at a parking
facility that is full, some embodiments may allow the consumer to
access information regarding nearby registered parking
facilities.
[0064] In some embodiments, the consumer may review and/or purchase
parking at a parking facility that is remote from the consumer. As
a non-limiting example, if a consumer arrives at a full parking
facility, the consumer may request the system to check the parking
availability at registered parking locations that are within a
specified distance from the consumer's current location. Upon
finding an available parking spot, the system may notify the
consumer via the electronic device, and the consumer may then enter
information into the electronic device to reserve and/or pay for
the remote parking spot.
[0065] In another embodiment, where a consumer is planning on
driving to a specific location, the consumer may obtain driving
instructions, parking facility location and availability prior to
leaving, while on route, or at any other time prior to parking.
[0066] In one embodiment, the consumer registers a vehicle by
entering vehicle identification information into the system. When a
registered vehicle is stopped at a registered parking facility, the
application will automatically prompt the consumer and request
confirmation of payment. This feature only activates when the
vehicle, with a consumer and electronic device, are stationary. The
consumer will be charged only after arriving and stopping the
vehicle at a registered parking facility.
[0067] Upon launch of the app, the processing center receives
analyzes geographic information transmitted from the electronic
device. If the consumer is at the location of a registered parking
facility, the processing center default action may be to complete
the transaction. The transaction is completed simply by arriving at
a registered parking facility and launching the app.
[0068] In other embodiments, the default action may be to prompt
the consumer 573, through questions on the screen. Non-limiting
examples of such prompts are to confirm that the consumer wishes to
park at the specific parking facility, to confirm the identity of
the vehicle being parked, and to confirm the parking fee or
rate.
[0069] In one embodiment the consumer may accept and affirm the
parking facility information and payment charge, and the system may
immediately process the payment charge. In another embodiment, the
system has a time-delay feature. In this embodiment, the consumer
may affirm the parking facility and payment charge, and the
time-delay embodiment may charge the consumer after a specified
period of time before processing the payment charge. The time-delay
option will generally be in the range of 5-15 minutes, and allows a
consumer to leave the parking facility without paying if the
consumer changes his or her mind about parking at that time.
[0070] In another embodiment, the consumer may activate the
application prior to parking, and select a specific designated
facility. After confirming parking space availability, the consumer
can pay in advance, and reserve a parking spot prior to actually
arriving at the parking facility.
[0071] Another embodiment of the invention allows the consumer to
reserve a parking space at a specific designated facility for
specific periods of time. A consumer may park at a specific parking
facility routinely; for example, every day for work. In this
embodiment, the consumer can reserve, and pay for, a parking space
at a specific designated spot for specific periods of time.
Non-limiting examples of periods of time are days, weeks, and
months.
[0072] In another embodiment, the parking facility merchant may
require a specific time to cancel the reservation prior to the
reserved time, or the parking charge would be incurred. Thus, the
invention allows for flexibility in pricing structure, with the
exact terms of the pricing structure to be determined and modified
by the parking facility owner.
[0073] Another embodiment involves a registered location where the
registered location 10 is an action location. An action location is
any registered location equipped with software 12 that is capable
of communicating with the remote processing center 40, where the
software executes an action in response to instructions from the
remote processing center.
[0074] In some embodiments, a gate or door may be an action
location. Gates and doors typically require dedicated equipment to
access, open and unlock. Embodiments of the invention may open a
gate at a registered location 10, or may unlock a door at a
registered location. A location becomes a registered location by
entering the geographic information 110 into the system, and
installing software 12 connected with the gate or door that
communicates with the processing center 40, and displaying computer
readable code 14.
[0075] The app 20 is launched at a registered gate or door, and
transmits 530 the geographic information 240 from the electronic
device to the remote processing center 40. The center analyzes 540
the geographic information. When the received geographic
information 240 corresponds 550 with a registered location, the
default action communicates with software 12 in the registered gate
or door, instructing the gate to open, or the door to unlock. This
system increases security over conventional gate or door locking
systems.
[0076] In some embodiments, a registered gate or door may display
registered readable code 14, as described in this specification. A
non-limiting example of display is a sticker, where the sticker
displays computer-readable code 14. A consumer with an electronic
device 30 with a camera 32 may launch the app 20 at a registered
gate or door. The processing center analyzes 540 the geographic
information 240. If the analysis shows that the geographic
information 240 corresponds to an action location 10, the
processing center 40 activates the camera 572. The camera reads and
transmits the readable code 14 to the processing center 5721. The
camera 32 reads the code by placing the camera in front of the
displayed code.
[0077] The processing center analyzes the transmitted code and
communicates instructions to the linked software 14. In some
embodiments, the instruction is to open the gate 5724. In other
embodiments, the instruction is to unlock a door 5726. In some
embodiments, the instruction is for other software executable
action 5727, such sending an access code to the consumer, allowing
the consumer to enter the code and open a gate.
[0078] In another embodiment, the application activates only after
stopping at a registered location 10.
[0079] Upon payment, the system sends a confirmation that appears
on the screen of the mobile device. The confirmation is seen by the
consumer on the mobile device screen, confirming the amount of
payment, and that the payment has been made and received.
Alternatively, the consumer may chose to have a receipt sent by
email, text message, instant message or any other form of
communication.
[0080] In some embodiments, the system may provide a real-time log
to the parking facility merchant of all registered vehicles parked
at a facility. In addition, a confirming message may be sent to
each registered parking facility when a vehicle pays for parking
using embodiments of the invention. The confirming message will
preferably be an email, text message or instant message, but may be
any other form of communication, including regular mail. Thus, a
registered parking facility will have a record of the transaction.
The registered parking facility can use the confirmation message to
verify that all vehicles in the parking facility have paid the
required fee.
[0081] In unattended facilities, merchants periodically send a
worker to verify that parked vehicles have paid. In some
embodiments of the invention, the work calls or sends a text
message to the processing center. Upon receipt of the transmission
from the worker, the processing center will process information
regarding parked vehicles, and will transmit a log of vehicle
information back to the worker. The worker can use the log to
verify and confirm which parked vehicles have paid using the
system. In another embodiment, the system may use photos or video
to record the license plates of vehicles using the facility. The
merchant can verify that all license plates are registered
consumers. Thus, the designated parking facility does not need to
have any attendant on duty, saving on labor costs.
[0082] The confirmation step allows a parking facility merchant to
have real-time information regarding parking at the registered
parking facility. The invention may provide detailed information to
the parking facility owner, including for example, the vehicle make
and model, and the time of entering and leaving the facility. The
invention may optionally provide other information to the merchant,
such as the parking patterns of drivers, and their addresses.
Merchants can use this information to target advertising, or to
help with parking crowding issues. Merchants can also use this
information to optionally provide real-time parking space
availability to other drivers through the system.
[0083] One embodiment of the invention may include a running log on
the consumer's mobile device. The running log shows all
transactions made using the system.
[0084] The invention may be used in any parking situation.
Non-limiting examples are use by cities (or other forms of
government) to confirm street parking. In this embodiment, the
consumer activates the application, and the application locates the
vehicle, and prompts the consumer to confirm parking payment. In
one embodiment, the system can verify parking stall number, or read
readable code 14.
[0085] Other embodiments are an optional feature that reminds a
consumer that payment is due; or an optional feature allowing the
designated parking facility to bill the consumer directly if the
consumer leaves without paying.
[0086] In some embodiments, the application prompts a new consumer
to enter name, address and payment information. The consumer will
launch the application, and the application will prompt the
consumer to enter the registered location, the type of food or
beverage desired, and the estimated time that the consumer will
arrive to pick up the food or beverage. If the consumer does not
enter an estimated time, the system will automatically calculate
the estimated time to drive from the consumer's current location to
the designated location.
[0087] In some embodiments, the invention obtains consumer
information that, optionally, can be shared with merchants. The
information may include parking, eating, fuel or other habits,
times and types of purchases, and other demographic
information.
[0088] The invention described herein can be implemented in the
form of control logic using computer software in a modular or
integrated manner. Based on the specification, a person of ordinary
skill will know and appreciate other methods or systems to
implement this invention.
[0089] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The embodiments disclosed in this specification are to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and
all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency
of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
[0090] One or more features from any embodiment may be combined
with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing
from the scope of the invention.
[0091] As used in this specification, internet-connected device
means any device that can connect with the internet, and includes
devices that connect wirelessly, or through wires. Non-limiting
examples of devices that connect wirelessly to the internet are
mobile telephones, hand-held devices, and laptop computers. A
non-limiting example of a wired device that connects with the
internet is a desktop computer.
[0092] The embodiments described herein refer to one mobile phone,
consumer, application, merchant and provider. It is understood that
there can be more than one mobile phone, consumer, application,
merchant or provider.
[0093] A recitation of "a" "an" or "the" is intended to mean "one
or more" unless specifically indicated to the contrary.
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